Design, Build & Grow Landscape & Horticulture

Summer Camp

Do you love nature, the environment, being creative, and working with your hands? If so, the green industry and the field of landscape/horticulture might be a great fit for you. Through workshops at the College’s Earth Science Center, you’ll learn about greenhouse techniques, plant identification and production, landscape construction, floral design, entomology, and more. Unsure if you enjoy art or science more? That’s ok. Horticulture combines both while allowing you to flex your creativity and spend time in the great outdoors.

Summer Camps

July 14-16, 2024

Age Group: Students entering grades 9-12

Fee: TBD
Includes all activities, meals, and on-campus housing. 

Registration for 2025 will open in February.

Parent & Student Info

What do I need to bring? Where will I stay? What’s for dinner? So many questions, and we have all of your answers!

Please Bring

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.

Workshops

Fundamentals of Floral Design

Explore the elements and principles of floral design. Learn the names and classification of the most commonly used flowers and foliage. Participants will even design and create several floral arrangements and take home their creations!

Greenhouse Techniques

Did you know that Penn College has over 6,500 square feet of greenhouse space? This workshop will introduce the greenhouse environment, use of greenhouse spaces, and the basic techniques of plant production. Learn how to sow seeds, transplant, harvest, and prepare cuttings. The process of a hydroponic food system will also be introduced.

Entomology

Insects come in all shapes and sizes. Not all of them are dangerous to the plants in our gardens or backyards. Participants will examine common garden insects to get a better understanding of a bug’s role in plant life and learn how they can be controlled.

Equipment Operation

This workshop will discuss equipment that is essential to the landscape/horticulture industry. College-owned equipment includes a backhoe, front-end loader, a Toro Dingo, and hand and power tools. Participants will review safety protocol and have an opportunity to operate some pieces of equipment.

Plant ID and Landscape Design

What is the first step in designing a landscape? Basic plant knowledge and identification is essential. Participants will learn about common landscape plants and design their own landscape using the College’s up-to-date software.

Nature Walk

During an interactive nature walk, explore Penn College’s five-acre arboretum and trail system to learn about the natural communities and ecological features that make up our forests.

Scholarships

Earn up to $2,000 off Penn College tuition

Did you know you can save money on your Penn College tuition if you attend one of our Summer Camps? 

Learn More
Here's how it works:

Here's how it works:

  • Complete a Summer Camp during the summer before entering 9-12 grade. 
  • Or better yet, come for two Summer Camps. Pick a different program the second time around or come for the same one twice. Each year we mix things up.
  • Attend Penn College and receive $1,000 off your tuition each year if you came for one camp. 
  • Or, get $2,000 off your tuition each year if you join us for two camps.